THE SNOHOMISH COUNTY CHARTER

REVIEW COMMISSION – A PRIMER

League of Women Voters Snohomish County

September 2005

What is the Snohomish County Charter?

The Washington State constitution gives counties the option to define the structure and process of county government by county charter. The charter is the document that determines how the county government will be set up and operate. Snohomish County moved to the county charter form in 1980. This charter defines our County government as:

▪ An Executive branch consisting of 7 elected positions -- executive,assessor, auditor, clerk, prosecuting attorney, sheriff, and treasurer; and, other appointed officers and staff.

▪ A Legislative branch consisting of a 5-member County Council.

The charter covers many aspects of the county government. In addition to defining powers and duties of the executive and council members, it defines whether an elected position is partisan or non-partisan. The charter also provides for citizen originated initiatives and referendums.

How well is the County charter working?

Since the Charter directs our County’s form of government the question really is “how well is Snohomish County government working?” and it’s the basic question the Commission will have to tackle. You will want to ask yourself this question as you listen to the candidates who want to serve on the Review Commission.

What’s the process for reviewing the charter? What is the time line of Commission events? What happens to the Commission’s report when it is finished?

Every 10 years a Charter Review Commission is elected. January 2, 2006, the commissioners take office. They will organize their own overall schedule and general procedures. Late July or early August, ninety days before the general election, the Commission will present the County Council with a report and suggested amendments to the charter. The Council accepts the report and forwards any amendments to the Auditor for the public vote at the November 2006 general election. The Charter Commission dissolves at the end of 2006.

How many commissioners will be elected? How are they elected?

Fifteen commissioners will be the Snohomish County Charter Review Commission. In the General Election this November voters will vote for three persons from their district to be on the Commission.

Will the Commission hold hearings? Will all their meetings be open? How can the public be involved

Expect the Commission to conduct open meetings and seek public input. Choose your representatives on the Charter Review Commission carefully – they are there to provide a “Health & Wellness” checkup for the County Government. Then, watch for announcements of Charter Review hearings, and check the County’s website for a likely Charter Review page, where potential amendments will be described and contact information provided for citizens to submit recommendations.

What should I look for in a Charter Review Commission candidate?

The commissioners won’t need to be experts on policies and regulations. They will need to listen carefully, communicate clearly, and be open to different perspectives and practical compromise. Candidates who can thoughtfully and straightforwardly discuss what works well in our County Government and what gets in the way, and who offer constructive approaches to remedies, can likely serve effectively on the Commission.

More information can be found at:

http://www.co.snohomish.wa.us/executiv/charter.htm (Snohomish County)

http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/charter/chrexsm.htm (King County)

http://www.mrsc.org/Subjects/Governance/locgov12.aspx (Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington)